"During the transition period between the Sui and Tang dynasties, there lived a man named Chunyu Zun in Guangling. In his courtyard stood a large, luxuriant pagoda tree. On summer nights, when the moon was bright and stars were few, its shadow swayed gently in the cool evening breeze—a perfect place to cool off.
On the day of Chunyu Zun's birthday, relatives and friends came to celebrate. Overcome with joy, he drank a little too much. When night fell and his guests had all left, he sat alone beneath the pagoda tree, slightly tipsy, enjoying the cool air. Drowsy from the wine, he soon drifted into a deep sleep.
In his dream, he arrived in the Great Pagoda State of Peace (Da Huai'an Guo). It happened to be the time of the imperial examinations in the capital city. He registered and entered the exam halls. After three rounds of testing, his poetry and prose flowed effortlessly. When the results were announced, he ranked first. Immediately afterward came the palace examination. The emperor, impressed by Chunyu Zun's handsome appearance and dignified demeanor, personally appointed him as the top scholar (zhuangyuan) and betrothed him to a princess. The top scholar thus became a royal son-in-law, creating a sensation in the capital.
After marriage, he and his wife lived in perfect harmony. The emperor then dispatched Chunyu Zun to serve as governor of the Nanhe Prefecture, where he remained for twenty years. During his tenure, he frequently toured the counties under his jurisdiction, keeping local magistrates in check and preventing corruption and abuse of power. He was widely praised by the local people. The emperor several times considered recalling him to the capital for promotion, but when the people of Nanhe learned their governor was to leave, they thronged to block his horse, begging him to stay. Touched by their affection, Chunyu Zun decided to remain and submitted a memorial explaining the situation to the emperor. The emperor, appreciating Chunyu Zun's achievements, rewarded him generously with gold, silver, and jewels.
One year, enemy troops invaded. The generals of the Great Pagoda State of Peace led armies to resist, but were repeatedly routed and utterly defeated. When news of the defeats reached the capital, the emperor was alarmed and hastily summoned civil and military officials to discuss countermeasures. Upon hearing of the repeated military losses at the front and the enemy's rapid advance toward the capital, the ministers turned pale with fear, looking at each other helplessly, utterly at a loss.
Seeing their terrified expressions, the emperor became furious and said, 'You have lived in comfort and luxury, enjoying every privilege. Yet when the court faces a crisis, you are all mute gourds—cowardly and speechless. What good are you?'
The prime minister immediately recommended Chunyu Zun. The emperor promptly issued an edict, appointing Chunyu Zun to command the nation's elite forces in a decisive battle against the enemy.
Chunyu Zun, receiving the imperial decree, dared not delay and immediately led his troops into battle. Alas, he knew nothing of military strategy. Upon first contact with the enemy, his forces were utterly defeated. His soldiers were slaughtered, losing their armor and helmets, fleeing in all directions, and Chunyu Zun himself nearly captured. Enraged, the emperor stripped Chunyu Zun of his position and sent him home in disgrace. Chunyu Zun awoke with a furious shout, startled from his dream. He looked around to see the moon high in the sky and stars twinkling brightly. Only then did he realize that the so-called Nanhe Prefecture was merely the southernmost branch of the pagoda tree outside his home."